Hope ATF leader enforces laws

Finally the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has a director, Todd Jones. He is the first since 2006. Those opposed to more restraints on gun ownership have often claimed that present laws were not adequately enforced. Much thanks goes to Sen. Reid of Nevada for forcing a vote on the confirmation of Mr. Jones. Jones was confirmed by a vote of 53-42, with five not voting. Why did Sen. McConnell want to filibuster the nomination of a bureau chief respected by the majority of the Senate? Was it because the NRA rated itself as neutral on the appointment, as stated by several news agencies? The NRA has long said that it supports responsible gun ownership. Trouble is that it has insisted that only the individual gun owner may determine the level or manner of that responsibility. With a director of ATF in place, perhaps there will be some leadership to enforce present laws and recommend new ones as needed. We can only wait and hope.Mike MollyEdmonds

Subscribe now

Unlimited digital access starting at 99 cents, or included with any print subscription.

Have your say

Feel strongly about something? Share it with the community by writing a letter to the editor. Send letters by e-mail to letters@heraldnet.com, by fax to 425-339-3458 or mail to The Herald - Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We'll only publish your name and hometown.) We reserve the right to edit letters, but if you keep yours to 250 words or less, we won’t ask you to shorten it. If your letter is published, please wait 30 days before submitting another. Have a question about letters? Contact Carol MacPherson at cmacpherson@heraldnet.com or 425-339-3472.